Year off for robed partner

Westminster councillor and Freeman Box partner Robert Davis has been elected Lord Mayor of Westminster.

Davis, who has served on the council for 14 years, is a conveyancing lawyer at the London firm. He will enjoy a one-year sabbatical from his legal work to allow him time to concentrate on his role representing one of the country's most high-profile councils.

His political work has concentrated on environmental and traffic safety issues. But as mayor he will be taking on a broader role. "I look forward to meeting the residents and workers who make up the diverse cultural and ethnic pattern of our community," he said.